Echinacea

PERENNIAL

Summer/fall bloom
Hardy to zone 4

BEST TO START EARLY INDOORS

In spring, 6 weeks before last expected frost date, sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Cover 1/4 in. deep, keep warm and moist and provide a strong light source. Feed every 2 weeks with half strength fertilizer.

Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant 2 to 3 inches apart into a deeper container or individual pots so root systems have room to develop. When plants are 3 to 4 inches tall, gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions and plant out in full sun.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Space seedlings 12 to 18 inches apart.

GROWING NOTES

Sturdy perennial echinacea, (A.K.A coneflower) can handle a wide range of weather conditions once well established. Plants will make sturdy foliage the first season, then send up long stems of 4 inch daisy shaped blossoms at midsummer for years. The nectar-rich florets of their cone shaped centers attract and nourish many butterflies. Keep spent flowers cut off to encourage repeat blooming.

PERENNIAL

Summer/fall bloom
Frost hardy

BEST TO START EARLY INDOORS

In spring, 6 weeks before last expected frost date, sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Cover lightly with mix, keep warm and moist, and provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant out. Feed every 2 weeks with half-strength fertilizer. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant 2 to 3 inches apart into a deeper container or individual pots so root systems have room to develop. When plants are 3 to 4 inches tall, gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions and plant out in full sun.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Space seedlings 8 to 10 inches apart.

GROWING NOTES

Sturdy perennial echinacea, or purple coneflowers, handle a wide range of weather conditions once well established. Plants will make sturdy foliage the first season, then send up long stems of 4 inch daisy-shaped blossoms at midsummer for years. The nectar-rich florets of their cone-shaped centers attract and nourish butterflies and other pollinators.